A frozen ground tuna Salmonella outbreak has sickened 13 people who reported eating sushi at restaurants or grocery stores before they got sick. Two people have been hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Jensen Tuna of Houma, Louisiana has issued a recall for frozen ground tuna imported from JK Fish for possible Salmonella contamination. The product was packaged in boxes containing 20 1-pound, clear plastic bags. The recalled boxes were marked with lot numbers z266, z271 and z272. No other Jensen Tuna products are included in the recall.
Between November 30, 2018 to March 15, 2019, the recalled tuna was sold to wholesalers in Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, New York, and Washington who distributed it to restaurants and retail locations. Illnesses have been reported from all states where the product was distributed.
Federal officials are advising restaurants and retailers to check with their suppliers and make sure any recalled products are discarded.
Sushi Tuna Salmonella Outbreak
Health officials have used genetic tests to identify the genetic “fingerprint” of the Salmonella Newport strain associated with this outbreak. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) tests identified 13 people in seven states. Case-patients, who ranged in age from 29 to 85 years old, reported onset of illness from January 8, 2019 and March 20, 2019.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a traceback investigation from restaurants where the tainted tuna was served and Jensen Tuna was identified as the supplier.
In 2012, a frozen tuna Salmonella outbreak sickened 425 people in 28 states. Pritzker Hageman Salmonella lawyers represented people sickened in that outbreak. And they represented clients sickened in a 2015 frozen tuna Salmonella outbreak. If you have been sickened by contaminated tuna associated with this outbreak and would like a consultation with our experienced team, call 1 (888) 377-8900, send a text to 612-261-0856. Or, complete the form below. The consultation is free and there is no obligation.